Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | Motorola MVME-333-2 |
| Manufacturer | Motorola (now part of Emerson Industrial Automation) |
| Product category | Legacy Industrial VMEbus Multi-Port Asynchronous Serial Communication Module |
| Serial Ports | 8 independent RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 ports (per-port protocol configurable via software) |
| Communication Specifications | Baud rates: 50 bps–115.2 kbps (software-selectable); Data bits: 5–8; Stop bits: 1–2; Parity: None/Even/Odd/Mark/Space |
| Multi-Drop Capacity | RS-485: Up to 32 devices per port (with external 120Ω terminator); RS-422: Up to 10 devices per port |
| VMEbus Compatibility | VMEbus A16/D16 slave interface (IEEE 1014-1987 compliant); Interrupt-driven data transfer (16 configurable vectors); Polled mode support |
| Environmental Requirements | Operating Temp: -10°C–60°C (14°F–140°F); Storage Temp: -40°C–85°C (-40°F–185°F); Humidity: 5%–95% (non-condensing); Vibration: 10–2000 Hz, 1.5 g (rms); Shock: 50 g (peak, 1 ms) |
| Physical Size | 3U VMEbus form factor: 100 mm × 160.0 mm (3.94 in × 6.30 in); Weight: 330 g (0.73 lbs) |
| Power Consumption | Typical: 6 W (25°C, 4 ports active); Maximum: 9 W (all 8 ports active at 115.2 kbps) |
| Diagnostic Features | LED indicators (per port: power, transmit, receive, fault); Built-in loopback test (local/remote); Baud rate mismatch detection |
| Compatible Host SBCs | Motorola MVME-166-11A, Motorola MVME-147SA-1, Motorola MVME-2700-761-I/O |
| Operating System Support | VxWorks 5.4+, OS-9 v3.x, QNX 4.25; Driver support for legacy MVME system software |
| Cable Support | RS-232: Up to 15 m (50 ft); RS-422/RS-485: Up to 1200 m (3937 ft) with shielded twisted-pair cable |
| Product Life Cycle | Discontinued/Obsolete |
Motorola MVME-333-2
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME-333-2 is a legacy industrial VMEbus multi-port asynchronous serial communication module designed to enable scalable serial connectivity for legacy MVME-based control systems—filling the gap between low-port serial modules like Motorola MVME334B (2 ports) and high-end network modules like Motorola MVME945B-001 (Ethernet-focused). Unlike digital I/O modules such as Motorola MVME131DON (focused on discrete signal handling), Motorola MVME-333-2 delivers 8 configurable RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 ports to support large-scale serial device networks, such as HMIs, printers, and remote sensors.
In automation architectures, Motorola MVME-333-2 acts as a “serial communication hub”: it translates data between the VMEbus (hosted by SBCs like Motorola MVME-166-11A) and 8 independent serial devices—for example, connecting a central controller to 4 remote HMIs (via RS-232) and 4 sensor networks (via RS-485) in a manufacturing plant. Its per-port protocol flexibility and long-distance RS-422/RS-485 support make it ideal for legacy systems like multi-zone HVAC control, warehouse inventory tracking, or regional utility monitoring—where replacing it would require costly rewiring of dozens of serial devices and revalidation of communication workflows.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Scalable 8-Port Serial Connectivity: Motorola MVME-333-2’s 8 independent ports provide 4x the connectivity of 2-port modules like Motorola MVME334B, reducing VMEbus slot usage by 75% for large serial networks. A food processing plant using Motorola MVME-166-11A as the host SBC can use one Motorola MVME-333-2 to connect 6 RS-485-based temperature sensor networks (across different production zones) and 2 RS-232 printers (for batch logs)—eliminating the need for four separate 2-port modules and freeing slots for other components like Motorola MVME131DON (digital I/O). This scalability also simplifies system expansion, as new serial devices can be added to unused ports without hardware changes.
Per-Port Protocol Flexibility: Each of Motorola MVME-333-2’s 8 ports can be individually configured for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 via software—no hardware jumpers required. A warehouse managing both local and remote devices can set Ports 1–2 to RS-232 (for on-site barcode scanners) and Ports 3–8 to RS-485 (for remote inventory sensors 500 m away), all via the host SBC’s configuration software. This flexibility eliminates the need for protocol-specific modules, reducing inventory costs by 50% and simplifying maintenance—technicians only need to learn one module’s configuration instead of multiple.
Long-Distance Reliability + Robust Diagnostics: Motorola MVME-333-2 supports RS-422/RS-485 communication up to 1200 m—far exceeding RS-232’s 15 m limit—making it suitable for large facilities like automotive factories or university campuses. Its built-in loopback tests and baud rate mismatch detection simplify troubleshooting: if a remote sensor fails to communicate, technicians can run a local loopback test on Motorola MVME-333-2 to isolate issues (e.g., faulty cable vs. module port failure), cutting diagnostic time by 40% vs. modules without built-in tests. The per-port LEDs also provide real-time visibility into transmit/receive activity, enabling quick identification of communication bottlenecks.
Typical Application Scenarios
In multi-zone HVAC control for a large office campus, Motorola MVME-333-2 is paired with Motorola MVME-166-11A to manage 8 building zones. Ports 1–8 are configured as RS-485 to connect to zone controllers (50–800 m away from the central chassis), each monitoring temperature, humidity, and airflow. Motorola MVME-333-2 transmits control commands (e.g., “adjust fan speed to 70%”) from the host SBC to zone controllers and receives status data (e.g., “current temp: 22°C”) back to the SBC. The module’s 1.5 g vibration resistance withstands mechanical room vibrations, while its -10°C operating range handles unheated basement enclosures—ensuring consistent comfort for 2,000+ employees and reducing energy costs by 15% via precise zone control.
For warehouse inventory tracking, Motorola MVME-333-2 connects Motorola MVME-147SA-1 to 6 RS-485-based RFID readers (tracking pallets in different warehouse sections) and 2 RS-232 label printers (for shipping labels). The module’s 115.2 kbps baud rate ensures real-time RFID data transmission, enabling the SBC to update inventory records within 1 second of a pallet moving. If a printer’s baud rate is accidentally changed, Motorola MVME-333-2’s mismatch detection triggers a fault alert, preventing mislabeled shipments that could cost $10,000+ in rework. The module’s compact 3U size also fits in the warehouse’s space-constrained control cabinet.
Motorola MVME-333-2
Related Model Recommendations
Motorola MVME334B: 2-port serial module complementary to Motorola MVME-333-2. Ideal for small serial networks (e.g., 1 HMI + 1 printer) where 8 ports are unnecessary.
Motorola MVME-166-11A: Mid-tier SBC compatible with Motorola MVME-333-2. Provides processing to manage the module’s serial data, forming a complete serial communication system.
Motorola MVME945B-001: Ethernet module paired with Motorola MVME-333-2. Enables integration of serial devices (connected to Motorola MVME-333-2) into IP networks (e.g., cloud monitoring).
Motorola MVME131DON: Digital I/O module complementary to Motorola MVME-333-2. Adds discrete signal handling (e.g., sensor status, actuator control) to serial-focused systems.
Emerson MVME-333-2-R: Refurbished variant of Motorola MVME-333-2. Tested to original port/protocol specs—cost-effective replacement for failing units in large serial networks.
Motorola 30GD-2-U4300117: Industrial DC PSU. Powers Motorola MVME-333-2 and its host SBC, ensuring stable +5V/+12V for serial transceiver performance.
Motorola MVME-910-3: RS-485 repeater. Extends Motorola MVME-333-2’s RS-485 range beyond 1200 m (up to 2400 m) for ultra-large facilities like cross-plant campuses.
Motorola MVME-177-003: Analog input module. Complements Motorola MVME-333-2 by adding high-precision analog data (e.g., pressure, flow) to serial-based monitoring systems.
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-333-2, verify the VMEbus chassis has a 3U slot and the host SBC (e.g., Motorola MVME-166-11A) supports A16/D16 addressing. Confirm the power supply provides +5V DC (±5%) and +12V DC (±10%)—use a multimeter to avoid voltage ripple that disrupts serial communication. Gather tools: anti-static wristband (protects serial transceivers), torque screwdriver (0.3 N·m for mounting), serial cable tester, and a laptop (for port configuration). Use shielded twisted-pair cable (24 AWG) for RS-422/RS-485 (add 120Ω terminator at line ends) and standard RS-232 cables—route serial cables at least 15 cm away from power cables to reduce EMI.
Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-333-2’s port LEDs—steady power, blinking transmit/receive, and no fault lights indicate normal operation. Test communication weekly by sending a test packet from the host SBC to each connected device and verifying responses. Clean the module’s vents monthly with compressed air (20 PSI max) to prevent overheating. If a port faults, isolate the device (check cable continuity/termination), reconfigure the port via the SBC, and run a loopback test to validate the port. Store spare Motorola MVME-333-2 units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to preserve serial transceiver components.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
Motorola MVME-333-2 is backed by an 18-month warranty from Emerson for refurbished units, covering defects in serial transceivers, VMEbus interface, and diagnostic circuits. If the module fails (e.g., a port stops transmitting in a critical serial network), Emerson provides free 7-day replacement—critical for systems where serial downtime disrupts monitoring or control (e.g., HVAC, inventory tracking).
For extended support, customers can purchase a 36-month service contract, including 24/7 remote troubleshooting (via phone/email), access to archived drivers (e.g., VxWorks 5.4 compatible), and on-site port configuration assistance. Emerson maintains a global stock of serial transceivers and VMEbus chips for Motorola MVME-333-2 until 2038, ensuring legacy serial networks remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to supporting scalable legacy communication infrastructure, helping users avoid costly full-system upgrades.
